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Unheard Voices: A Qualitative Exploration of Fathers’ Access of Child Safety Information

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Abstract

To gain an understanding about fathers’ perspectives and practices related to accessing information on childhood safety. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 32 fathers of children aged 2–7 years in British Columbia, Canada. Interview questions investigated whether fathers accessed information on child safety issues, the type of information they searched for, and the resources they used. Transcripts were examined using thematic content analysis. Fathers reported varied processes for searching for information and emphasized a need for credible, synthesized information. The internet was the source of child safety information fathers mentioned most frequently. Published information, resources from community organizations including general, educational and health organizations and access to personal connections were also seen as important. Fathers’ involvement in childcare is growing and they play a significant role in ensuring children’s safety. Increasing fathers’ knowledge on safety related practices can contribute to a reduction in childhood injuries. The results of this study provide an in-depth exploration of fathers’ perspectives and practices that can inform the design of materials and dissemination strategies to help increase and optimize access to safety information.

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Acknowledgments

This research and article was made possible by a grant from Vancouver Foundation (Grant # BCM08-0033). Career support for Dr. Brussoni is provided by a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research scholar award. We are grateful to the 32 fathers who gave generously of their time and insights. We are indebted to David Sheftel, Anne George and Joan Bottorff for their contributions to the research study, and to Glenn Hope of the BC Council for Families for his support of the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, L408—4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada

    Lise L. Olsen, Sami Kruse & Mariana Brussoni

  2. Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Lise L. Olsen, Sami Kruse & Mariana Brussoni

  3. Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Lise L. Olsen & Mariana Brussoni

  4. School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Mariana Brussoni

  5. British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Mariana Brussoni

Authors
  1. Lise L. Olsen
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  2. Sami Kruse
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  3. Mariana Brussoni
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Correspondence to Lise L. Olsen.

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Olsen, L.L., Kruse, S. & Brussoni, M. Unheard Voices: A Qualitative Exploration of Fathers’ Access of Child Safety Information. J Community Health 38, 187–194 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9601-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9601-9

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